Television signal receiver capable of receiving emergency alert signals

ABSTRACT

A television signal processing apparatus is capable of receiving emergency alert signals and providing alert outputs to notify individuals of emergency events. According to one exemplary embodiment, the television signal processing apparatus includes a tuner operative to tune a frequency including emergency alert signals indicating an emergency event. A processor is operative to cause the television signal processing apparatus to be switched from an off/standby mode to an on mode responsive to the emergency alert signals.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. § 365 ofInternational Application PCT/US03/14508, filed May 8, 2003, which waspublished in accordance with PCT Article 21(2) on Nov. 20, 2003 inEnglish and which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 60/379,445, filed May 10, 2002 and U.S. provisionalpatent application No. 60/379,447, filed May 10, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to television signal processingsystems, and more particularly, to television signal processing systemscapable of, among other things, receiving a signal indicating anemergency event and providing alert outputs to notify individuals ofemergency events.

2. Background Information

Emergency events such as severe weather, natural disasters, fires, civilemergencies, war acts, toxic chemical spills, radiation leaks, or othersuch conditions can be devastating to unprepared individuals. Withweather-related emergencies, authorities such as the National WeatherService (NWS) and the National Oceanographic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) are generally able to detect severe weatherconditions prior to the general public. Through the use of modernweather detection devices, such as Doppler radar and weather satellites,the NWS and NOAA are able to issue early warnings of severe weatherconditions which have saved many lives. However, for such warnings to beeffective, they must be communicated to their intended recipients.

Certain specialized radios and scanners are capable of receivingemergency alert signals provided by the NWS and NOAA. However, suchdevices tend to be dedicated to this use, and generally offer consumerslittle, if any, functionality beyond monitoring these signals.Accordingly, in order to receive advance warning of weather-relatedemergencies, consumers are required to purchase a separate, dedicateddevice, which may be cost-prohibitive to some consumers.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device capable of receiving emergencyalert signals which avoids the foregoing problems. The present inventionaddresses these and other issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a televisionsignal processing system for providing an emergency alert function isdisclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the television signalprocessing system comprises tuning means for tuning a frequencyincluding a signal indicating an emergency event. Processing means causethe television signal processing system to be switched from a first modeto a second mode responsive to the signal indicating the emergencyevent.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a televisionsignal processor for providing an emergency alert function comprisesfirst and second tuning means. According to an exemplary embodiment, thetelevision signal receiver comprises first tuning means for tuning afirst frequency including a signal indicating an emergency event whilethe television signal processor is in a first mode. Second tuning meanstunes a second frequency including a signal indicating an emergencyevent while the television signal receiver is in an on mode. Processingmeans enables an alert output responsive to the signal indicating anemergency event.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a methodfor controlling a television signal processor providing an emergencyalert function is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, themethod comprises steps of using a tuner of the television signalprocessor to tune a frequency including a signal indicating an emergencyevent, and switching the television signal receiver from a first mode toa second mode responsive to the signal indicating an emergency event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary environment suitable for implementing the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a television signal processing systemsuitable for implementing the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps according to anaspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps according to anotheraspect of the present invention.

The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments ofthe invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed aslimiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, anexemplary environment 100 suitable for implementing the presentinvention is shown. In FIG. 1, environment 100 comprises a signaltransmission source 10 and dwelling units 15 (i.e., 1, 2, 3 . . . N,where N may be any positive integer). Dwelling units 15 in FIG. 1 mayfor example represent residences, businesses and/or other dwellingplaces located within a particular geographical area, such as but notlimited to, a particular continent, country, region, state, area code,zip code, city, county, municipality, subdivision, and/or otherdefinable geographical area. According to an exemplary embodiment, eachof the dwelling units 15 is equipped with at least one television signalprocessor or system, e.g., television signal receiver 20, capable ofreceiving emergency alert signals and providing alert outputs to notifyindividuals of emergency events.

The television signal processing system may comprise various types ofsystems or signal processors such as television signal receivers thatinclude a display device (such as a television set) or television signalreceivers that do not include a display device (such as a set top box orVCR) but produce a signal suitable for coupling to a display device. Forthe purposes of the following detailed description, an exemplaryembodiment of a system incorporating principles of the invention will bedescribed in the context of a television receiver that includes adisplay device. However, the described aspects of the invention are alsoapplicable to other types of television signal processing systems suchas those that do not include a display device.

According to an exemplary embodiment, signal transmission source 10transmits signals including a signal indicating an emergency event,e.g., emergency alert signals, which may be received by each televisionsignal receiver 20. The emergency alert signals may be provided from anauthority such as the NWS, or other authorities such as governmentalentities or the like. In response to the emergency alert signals, eachtelevision signal receiver 20 may perform an emergency alert function byproviding one or more alert outputs to thereby notify individuals of theemergency event. Signal transmission source 10 may, for example,transmit such emergency alert signals to television signal receivers 20via any wired or wireless medium such as, but not limited to,terrestrial, cable, satellite, fiber optic, digital subscriber line(“DSL”), and/or other type of broadcast and/or multicast means.

Referring now to FIG. 2, further exemplary details regarding eachtelevision signal receiver 20 of FIG. 1 will now be provided. Inparticular, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a television signal receiver 20suitable for implementing the present invention. In FIG. 2, televisionsignal receiver 20 comprises a signal receiving element 21, one or moretuners 22, a demodulator 23, an audio amplifier 24, a speaker 25, adecoder 26, a processor and memory 27, a video processor 28, and adisplay 29. Some of the foregoing elements may for example be embodiedusing integrated circuits (ICs). For clarity of description, certainconventional elements of television signal receiver 20 may not be shownin FIG. 2.

Signal receiving element 21 is operative to receive signals includingaudio and/or video signals from signal sources, such as signaltransmission source 10 in FIG. 1. According to an exemplary embodiment,received signals, e.g., audio signals, may include a signal indicatingan emergency event, e.g., digitally encoded emergency alert signals.Signal receiving element 21 may be embodied as any signal receivingelement such as an antenna, input terminal or other element.

One or more tuners 22 are operative to tune signals including audioand/or video signals. According to an exemplary embodiment, the one ormore tuners 22 are capable of tuning audio signals on at least thefollowing designated NWS frequencies: 162.400 MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450MHz, 162.475 MHz, 162.500 MHz, 162.525 MHz and 162.550 MHz. Otherfrequencies may also be tuned. As previously indicated herein, suchaudio signals may include digitally encoded emergency alert signals.According to an exemplary embodiment, television signal receiver 20 mayinclude a picture-in-picture (PIP) function wherein a first tuner 22operates as a main tuner for a main picture, and a second tuner 22operates as a secondary tuner for the PIP. According to this exemplaryembodiment, when television signal receiver 20 is operating in one mode,e.g., in an on mode, first tuner 22 tunes audio and/or video signals ina conventional manner, and second tuner 22 tunes a frequency includingemergency alert signals, such as one of the NWS frequencies (when not inuse for the PIP function). Conversely, when television signal receiver20 is in a second mode, e.g., an off/standby mode, first tuner 22 tunesa frequency including emergency alert signals. In this manner, emergencyalert signals may be received when television signal receiver 20 is invarious modes of operation, e.g., the on mode of operation and theoff/standby mode of operation. Further details regarding this aspect ofthe present invention will be provided later herein.

Demodulator 23 is operative to demodulate signals provided from tuner(s)22. According to an exemplary embodiment, demodulator 23 demodulatesaudio signals to thereby generate demodulated audio signals representingaudio content such as an NWS audio message, a warning alert tone and/orother audio content. Audio amplifier 24 is operative to amplify theaudio signals output from demodulator 23 responsive to a control signalprovided from processor 27. Speaker 25 is operative to aurally outputthe amplified audio signals provided from audio amplifier 24.

Decoder 26 is operative to decode signals including audio and/or videosignals. According to an exemplary embodiment, decoder 26 decodes audiosignals provided from demodulator 23 to thereby extract digitallyencoded frequency shift keyed (FSK) signals, which represent emergencyalert signals indicating an emergency event. According to this exemplaryembodiment, the emergency alert signals include data comprising specificarea message encoding (SAME) data associated with the emergency event.SAME data comprises a digital code representing information such as thespecific geographical area affected by the emergency event, the type ofemergency event (e.g., tornado, toxic chemical spill, radiation leak,civil emergency, etc.), and the expiration time of the event alert. SAMEdata is used by the NWS and other authorities to improve the specificityof emergency alerts and to decrease the frequency of false alerts. Otherdata and information may also be included in the emergency alert signalsaccording to the present invention.

Processor and memory 27 are operative to perform various processing anddata storage functions of television signal receiver 20. According to anexemplary embodiment, processor 27 receives the emergency alert signalsfrom decoder 26 and determines whether the emergency alert function oftelevision signal receiver 20 is activated based on data included in theemergency alert signals. According to this exemplary embodiment,processor 27 compares data in the emergency alert signals to user setupdata stored in memory 27 to determine whether the emergency alertfunction is activated. As will be described later herein, a setupprocess for the emergency alert function of television signal receiver20 allows a user to select items such as an applicable geographicalarea(s), and type(s) of emergency events (e.g., tornado, toxic chemicalspill, radiation leak, civil emergency, etc.) which activate theemergency alert function. According to an exemplary embodiment, when theemergency alert function is activated, processor 27 outputs one or morecontrol signals which cause television signal receiver 20 to be switchedfrom a first mode, e.g., the off/standby mode, to a second mode, e.g.,the on mode, and also enable one or more alert outputs to thereby notifyindividuals of the emergency event. Further details regarding suchfunctions will be provided later herein.

Video processor 28 is operative to process signals including videosignals. According to an exemplary embodiment, such video signals mayinclude embedded messages such as NWS text messages and/or othermessages that provide details regarding emergency events. Videoprocessor 28 may include closed caption circuitry which enables closedcaption displays. Display 29 is operative to provide visual displayscorresponding to processed signals provided from video processor 28.According to an exemplary embodiment, display 29 may provide visualdisplays including the aforementioned messages that provide detailsregarding emergency events.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a flowchart 300 illustrating exemplary stepsaccording to an aspect of the present invention is shown. For purposesof example and explanation, the steps of FIG. 3 will be described withreference to television signal receiver 20 of FIG. 2. The steps of FIG.3 are merely exemplary, and are not intended to limit the presentinvention in any manner.

At step 301, a setup process for the emergency alert function oftelevision signal receiver 20 is performed. According to an exemplaryembodiment, a user performs this setup process by providing inputs totelevision signal receiver 20 (e.g., using a remote control device notshown) responsive to an on-screen menu displayed via display 29. Such anon-screen menu may for example be part of an electronic program guide(EPG) function of television signal receiver 20. According to anexemplary embodiment, the user may select at least the following itemsduring the setup process at step 301:

-   A. Enable/Disable—The user may select whether to enable or disable    the emergency alert function.-   B. Frequency Selection—The user may select the monitoring frequency    to tune to in order to receive emergency alert signals. For example,    the user may select a frequency such as one of the following NWS    frequencies: 162.400 MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450 MHz, 162.475 MHz,    162.500 MHz, 162.525 MHz and 162.550 MHz.-   C. Event Types—The user may select one or more types of emergency    events which activate the emergency alert function. For example, the    user may designate that events such as civil emergencies, acts of    war, and/or tornado warnings activate the emergency alert function,    but that events such as thunderstorm warnings do not, etc. The user    may also select whether the conventional warning audio tone provided    by the NWS and/or other alert mechanism activates the emergency    alert function. According to the present invention, different    severity levels may represent different “events.” For example, a    thunderstorm watch may be considered a different event from a    thunderstorm warning.-   D. Geographical Areas—The user may select one or more geographical    areas of interest. For example, the user may select a particular    continent, country, region, state, area code, zip code, city,    county, municipality, subdivision, and/or other definable    geographical area.-   E. Alert Outputs—The user may select one or more alert outputs to be    provided when the emergency alert function is activated. For    example, the user may select to aurally output a warning tone and/or    an NWS audio message, and the desired volume of each. The user may    also select to display an NWS text message (e.g., as a closed    caption message) and/or to tune television signal receiver 20 to a    specific channel. Other types of alert outputs may also be provided    according to the present invention.-   F. Duration of Alert Outputs—The user may select a predetermined    time period for which the one or more alert outputs will be provided    when the emergency alert function is activated. After this    predetermined time period elapses, the one or more alert outputs    cease (at least temporarily), and television signal receiver 20    switches from the on mode to the off/standby mode.-   G. Time Period Between Repeat Events—The user may select a    predetermined time period for repeat events. For example, after    television signal receiver 20 provides an alert output for a    particular emergency event and switches to the off/standby mode (as    described in item F above), the emergency alert function will not be    activated again for this same emergency event until after the    predetermined time period for repeat events elapses. As previously    indicated herein, different severity levels may represent different    events.

Other menu selections may also be provided at step 301 according to thepresent invention. Data corresponding to the user's selections duringthe setup process of step 301 is stored in memory 27.

At step 302, television signal receiver 20 is switched from one mode,e.g., the on mode to another mode, e.g., the off/standby mode. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the on mode is an operational mode wheretelevision signal receiver 20 is turned on (i.e., providing audio and/orvideo outputs), while the off/standby mode is an operational mode wheretelevision signal receiver 20 is turned off (i.e., no audio and/or videooutputs) but still receives electrical power. Television signal receiver20 may for example be switched to the off/standby mode at step 302responsive to a user input.

At step 303, television signal receiver 20 monitors the frequencyselected by the user during the setup process of step 301 (i.e., item B)for emergency alert signals. According to an exemplary embodiment, tuner22 monitors the selected frequency while television signal receiver 20is in the off/standby mode and thereby receives incoming emergency alertsignals.

At step 304, a determination is made as to whether the emergency alertfunction of television signal receiver 20 is activated. According to anexemplary embodiment, processor 27 makes this determination by comparingdata included in the incoming emergency alert signals to data stored inmemory 27 from the setup process of step 301. As previously indicatedherein, the emergency alert signals may include SAME data whichrepresents information including the type of emergency event (e.g.,tornado, toxic chemical spill, radiation leak, civil emergency, etc.)and the specific geographical area(s) affected by the emergency event.According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 27 compares this SAMEdata to the corresponding data from the setup process of step 301 (i.e.,items C and D) stored in memory 27 to thereby determine whether theemergency alert function is activated. In this manner, the emergencyalert function of television signal receiver 20 is activated only whenthe emergency event indicated by the emergency alert signals correspondsto the geographical area(s) and event type(s) designated by the user atstep 301.

If the determination at step 304 is negative, process flow loops back tostep 303 where tuner 22 continues to monitor the selected frequency.Alternatively, if the determination at step 304 is positive, processflow advances to step 305 where television signal receiver 20 switchesto the on mode. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 27outputs one or more control signals which cause television signalreceiver 20 to be switched from the off/standby mode to the on mode.

At step 306, television signal receiver 20 provides an alert output tothereby notify individuals of the emergency event. According to anexemplary embodiment, processor 27 enables one or more alert outputs inaccordance with the user's selections during the setup process of step301 (i.e., item E). For example, an aural output such as a warning toneand/or an NWS audio message may be output via speaker 25. Processor 27may output a control signal to audio amplifier 24 to control the volumeof such aural outputs in accordance with the volume level set by theuser during the setup process of step 301. Visual outputs may also beprovided at step 306 via display 29 to notify individuals of theemergency event. For example, a visual output such as an NWS textmessage (e.g., as a closed caption message) and/or a video output from aspecific channel may also be provided. Other types of alert outputs mayalso be provided at step 306 according to the present invention.

At step 307, a determination is made as to whether the alert output hasbeen provided for a pre-selected time period. As previously indicatedherein, the user may designate this time period during the setup processat step 301 (i.e., item F). If the determination at step 307 isnegative, process flow loops back to step 306 where television signalreceiver 20 continues to provide an alert output. Alternatively, if thedetermination at step 307 is positive, process flow loops back to step302 where television signal receiver 20 switches back to the off/standbymode. According to an exemplary embodiment, processor 27 outputs one ormore control signals which cause television signal receiver 20 to beswitched back to the off/standby mode at step 302. In this manner,television signal receiver 20 provides the alert output for only thepre-selected period of time specified by the user during the setupprocess at step 301.

After television signal receiver 20 switches back to the off/standbymode at step 302, it continues to monitor the selected frequency andreceive incoming emergency alert signals at step 303. However, accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the emergency alert function may not beactivated again for the same emergency event (i.e., a repeat event) fora predetermined time period. As previously indicated herein, the usermay select this predetermined time period for repeat events during thesetup process of step 301 (i.e., item G), and different severity levelsmay represent different events. Accordingly, processor 27 disables theemergency alert function for a repeat emergency event for thepredetermined time period specified by the user. In this manner,television signal receiver 20 will not provide an alert output again forthe same emergency event until after this predetermined time periodelapses.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a flowchart 400 illustrating exemplary stepsaccording to another aspect of the present invention is shown. Inparticular, FIG. 4 illustrates how television signal receiver 20 maymonitor frequencies for emergency alert signals using two tuners 22. Theprinciples and steps of FIG. 4 may be combined with the principles andsteps of FIG. 3. The steps of FIG. 4 are merely exemplary, and are notintended to limit the present invention in any manner.

At step 401, television signal receiver 20 is switched to theoff/standby mode. Television signal receiver 20 may for example beswitched to the off/standby mode at step 401 responsive to a user input.

At step 402, television signal receiver 20 monitors a frequency foremergency alert signals using a first tuner 22. As previously indicatedherein, television signal receiver 20 may include a PIP function whereina first tuner 22 operates as a main tuner for a main picture, and asecond tuner 22 operates as a secondary tuner for the PIP. Accordingly,at step 402, first tuner 22 monitors a frequency such as an NWSfrequency while television signal receiver 20 is in a first mode, e.g.,the off/standby mode. This frequency may for example be selected by auser during a setup process for the emergency alert function oftelevision signal receiver 20, such as the one described above in step301 of FIG. 3.

At step 403, television signal receiver 20 detects when it is switchedto a second mode, e.g., the on mode. According to an exemplaryembodiment, first tuner 22 continues to monitor a frequency foremergency alert signals while television signal receiver 20 is in theoff/standby mode, as indicated by looping steps 402 and 403 in FIG. 4.However, when television signal receiver 20 is switched to the on mode,process flow advances to step 404 where television signal receiver 20monitors a frequency for emergency alert signals using second tuner 22,and first tuner 22 tunes audio and/or video signals in a conventionalmanner to thereby provide audio and/or video outputs. The frequenciesmonitored by the first and second tuners 22 at steps 402 and 404 may bedifferent frequencies, or the same frequency, and may for example bedesignated by a user. When second tuner 22 is used for a PIP function,it may monitor a frequency for emergency alert signals at step 404whenever the PIP function is not used. In this manner, emergency alertsignals may be received when television signal receiver 20 is in bothfirst and second modes, e.g., the on mode, and the off/standby mode.

As described herein, the present invention provides a television signalreceiver capable of receiving emergency alert signals and providingalert outputs to notify individuals of emergency events. The presentinvention may be applicable to various apparatuses, either with orwithout a display device. Accordingly, the phrase “television signalreceiver” as used herein may refer to systems or apparatuses capable ofreceiving and processing television signals including, but not limitedto, television sets, computers or monitors that include a displaydevice, and systems or apparatuses such as set-top boxes, video cassetterecorders (VCRs), digital versatile disk (DVD) players, video gameboxes, personal video recorders (PVRs), computers or other apparatusesthat may not include a display device.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design,the present invention can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

1. Television signal processing apparatus comprising: a first tuneroperative to tune a first signal indicating a first emergency eventwhile the television signal processing apparatus is in a firstoff/standby mode, a second tuner operative to tune said first signalindicating a first emergency event while the television signalprocessing apparatus is in a second on mode, and a processor operativeto cause the television signal processing apparatus to switch from saidfirst off/standby mode, in which the first tuner tunes said first signalindicating an emergency event, to said second on mode, in which saidfirst tuner tunes a second signal having at least one of an audio andvideo component and the second tuner tunes the first signal forindicating an emergency event.
 2. The television signal processingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor causes the television signalprocessing apparatus to be switched from the first off/standby mode tothe second on mode in response to the first emergency eventcorresponding to an event selectable by a user.
 3. The television signalprocessing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor causes thetelevision signal processing apparatus to be switched from the firstoff/standby mode to the second on mode in response to the firstemergency event corresponding to a geographical area selectable by auser.
 4. The television signal processing apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe processor is further operative to enable an alert output responsiveto the first signal for indicating an emergency event.
 5. The televisionsignal processing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the processor enablesthe alert output in response to the first signal for indicating anemergency event corresponding to an event selectable by a user.
 6. Thetelevision signal processing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the processorenables the alert output in response to the first signal for indicatingan emergency event corresponding to a geographical area selectable by auser.
 7. The television signal processing apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe processor enables the alert output responsive to a user selection.8. The television signal processing apparatus of claim 4, furthercomprising a speaker, and wherein the alert output comprises an auralmessage provided via the speaker.
 9. The television signal processingapparatus of claim 4, further comprising a display, and wherein thealert output comprises a visual message provided via the display. 10.The television signal processing apparatus of claim 4, wherein theprocessor enables the alert output for a first time period selectable bya user.
 11. The television signal processing apparatus of claim 10,wherein the processor causes the television signal processing apparatusto be switched from the second on mode to the first off/standby mode inresponse to the alert output being provided for the first time period.12. The television signal processing apparatus of claim 11, wherein theprocessor disables the emergency alert function for a repeat emergencyevent for a second time period selectable by a user in response to thetelevision signal processing apparatus being switched from the second onmode to the first off/standby mode.
 13. A television signal receiverhaving an emergency alert function, comprising: first tuning means fortuning first emergency alert signals indicating a first emergency eventwhile the television signal receiver is in a first off/standby mode;second tuning means for tuning said first emergency alert signalsindicating a first emergency event while the television signal receiveris in a second on mode; and processing means for causing the televisionsignal receiver to switch from said first off/standby mode, in which thefirst tuning means tunes said first emergency alert signal indicating afirst emergency event, to said second on mode, in which said first tunertunes a second signal having at least one of an audio and videocomponent and the second tuning means tunes the first emergency alertsignals.
 14. The television signal receiver of claim 13, wherein theprocessing means causes the television signal receiver to be switchedfrom the first off/standby mode to the second on mode when the firstemergency event corresponds to an event selectable by a user.
 15. Thetelevision signal receiver of claim 13, wherein the processing meanscauses the television signal receiver to be switched from the firstoff/standby mode to the second on mode when the first emergency eventcorresponds to a geographical area selectable by a user.
 16. Thetelevision signal receiver of claim 13, wherein the processing meansfurther enables an alert output responsive to at least one of the firstemergency alert signal and a second emergency alert signal.
 17. Thetelevision signal receiver of claim 16, wherein the processing meansenables the alert output if at least one of the emergency event and asecond emergency event corresponds to an event selectable by a user. 18.The television signal receiver of claim 16, wherein the processing meansenables the alert output if at least one of the first emergency eventand a second emergency event corresponds to a geographical areaselectable by a user.
 19. The television signal receiver of claim 16,wherein the processing means enables the alert output responsive to auser selection.
 20. The television signal receiver of claim 16, furthercomprising audio output means for providing the alert output as an auralmessage.
 21. The television signal receiver of claim 16, furthercomprising display means for providing the alert output as a visualmessage.
 22. The television signal receiver of claim 16, wherein theprocessing means enables the alert output for a first time periodselectable by a user.
 23. The television signal receiver of claim 22,wherein the processing means causes the television signal receiver to beswitched from the second on mode to the first off/standby mode after thealert output is provided for the first time period.
 24. The televisionsignal receiver of claim 23, wherein the processing means disables theemergency alert function for a repeat emergency event for a second timeperiod selectable by a user after the television signal receiver isswitched from the second on mode to the first off/standby mode. 25.Television signal processing apparatus comprising: first tuning meansfor tuning a first frequency including a first signal indicating a firstemergency event while the television signal processing apparatus is in afirst off/standby mode; second tuning means for tuning said firstfrequency including said first signal indicating a second emergencyevent while the television signal processing apparatus is in a second onmode; and processing means for enabling an alert output, wherein thetelevision signal processing apparatus is switched from the firstoff/standby mode, in which the first tuning means tunes said firstfrequency including said first signal indicating a first emergencyevent, to said second on mode, in which said first tuning means tunes asecond frequency including a second signal having at least one of anaudio and video component and the second tuning means tunes said firstfrequency including said first signal indicating a second emergencyevent.
 26. The television signal processing apparatus of claim 25,wherein the first and second frequencies are the same.
 27. Thetelevision signal processing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the firstand second frequencies are different.
 28. The television signalprocessing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the processing means enablesthe alert output in response to at least one of the first emergencyevent and the second emergency event corresponding to an eventselectable by a user.
 29. The television signal processing apparatus ofclaim 25, wherein the processing means enables the alert output inresponse to at least one of the first emergency event and the secondemergency event corresponding to a geographical area selectable by auser.
 30. The television signal processing apparatus of claim 25,wherein the processing means enables the alert output for a first timeperiod selectable by a user.
 31. The television signal processingapparatus of claim 30, wherein the processing means causes thetelevision signal processing apparatus to be switched from the second onmode to the first off/standby mode after the alert output is providedfor the first time period.
 32. The television signal processingapparatus of claim 31, wherein the processing means disables theemergency alert function for a repeat emergency event for a second timeperiod selectable by a user in response to the television signalprocessing apparatus being switched from the second on mode to the firstoff/standby mode.
 33. The television signal processing apparatus ofclaim 25, wherein the processing means causes the television signalprocessing apparatus to be switched from the first off/standby mode tothe second on mode in response to the first emergency eventcorresponding to an event selectable by a user.
 34. The televisionsignal processing apparatus of claim 25, wherein the processing meanscauses the television signal processing apparatus to be switched fromthe first off/standby mode to the second on mode in response to thefirst emergency event corresponding to a geographical area selectable bya user.
 35. A method for controlling a television signal processingapparatus having an emergency alert function, comprising: using a firsttuner of the television signal processing apparatus to tune a firstsignal indicating a first emergency event while the television signalprocessing apparatus is in a first off/standby mode; using a secondtuner of the television signal processing apparatus to tune the firstsignal indicating the first emergency event while the television signalprocessing apparatus is in a second on mode; and switching thetelevision signal processing apparatus from said first off/standby mode,in which the first tuner tunes said first signal indicating a firstemergency event, to said second on mode, in which said first tuner tunesa second signal having at least one of an audio and video component andthe second tuner tunes the first signal indicating the first emergencyevent.
 36. The method of claim 35, further comprised of enabling analert output responsive to at least one of the first signal indicatingthe first emergency event and the first signal indicating a secondemergency event.